Norwegian Lefse (Made In A Frying Pan)

May 8, 2018

Do you hear that?

That’s the sound of a thousand Norwegian grandmothers gasping at the thought of making lefse any other way than the traditional way: That is, using a potato ricer to mash the potatoes, special rolling pin to roll out the dough, and a lefse iron to cook it on.

Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to make lefse the non-traditional way.

Why?

Because if you’re only going to make lefse once or twice, then it’s probably not worth it to buy the special rolling pin and lefse iron.

Do you really need more stuff in your kitchen?

However, if lefse making is an annual family tradition – something you’ll make very often – then by all means, buy all the special equipment you want!

Just remember: You can make some darn good lefse without proper lefse-making equipment! Take it from me: I’m 82% Norwegian by ancestry.

This recipe results in some delectable, melt-in-your-mouth lefse. Eat it fresh while it’s still warm, or reheat for a few seconds in the microwave.

What Is Lefse?

Lefse is a traditional Norwegian potato-based flatbread. In the U.S., among the Norwegian-American population, it is served spread with butter and sprinkled with sugar. However, there are many other creative ways to eat it:

Spread with butter, topped with cinnamon and sugar

Spread with butter and marmalade

Used as a wrap for a sandwich

Used as a “bun” for a hot dog

Lefse is made much like homemade tortillas. If you can make tortillas, you can make lefse!

How To Prepare Lefse

My family eats lefse every Thanksgiving and Christmas. At Christmas, we always it serve it with oyster stew.

We don’t always make it homemade – sometimes we buy it at the grocery store.

Lefse Making: The Process

This is the lefse-making process, in a nutshell. Scroll down for the detailed recipe.

Make mashed potatoes with cream and butter

Mix cooled mashed potatoes with flour

Form into balls and roll into thin rounds

Cook in a dry frying pan on each side

Making lefse in a frying pan isn’t difficult – just a bit time-consuming. But it’s totally worth it!

Norwegian Lefse

Roll out the lefse as thin as possible without tearing. Use plenty of flour to avoid sticking.

Ingredients

2 large or 3 small russet potatoes

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

3 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour, plus extra for rolling out

Instructions

Peel potatoes and cut into large chunks. Place in a large saucepan and fill with enough water to reach an inch from the top. Heat to a simmer, and allow to cook until potatoes are tender: About 20 to 25 minutes.

Remove potatoes from heat, drain, and rinse with cold water. Add cream, butter, and salt. Mash until smooth or use a potato ricer.

Measure out 3 cups of cool mashed potatoes. Mix with 1 cup of flour, and add 1/4 cup (or more) until the dough is pliable but not sticky. If the dough is too dry, add some more of the mashed potatoes. If it's too moist, add a bit more flour.

Take a golf ball sized-piece of dough. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to make a thin round flat - like a tortilla. Roll the dough as thin as possible.

Transfer to a dry frying pan. Cook the lefse over medium heat until it's a light golden brown - this will take about a minute. You'll notice a few bubbles in the lefse. Flip and cook on the other side for 30 to 45 seconds, until light golden brown. Transfer to a plate to cool.

Continue with this process until all the lefse has been cooked. Eat right away, store in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for future use.

Did you make this recipe?

We’d love to see it!

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Thanks, Haley!
Love your addition of heavy cream…that’s how I remember
my mom and gram making it. Also, your suggestion for
just using a skillet instead of sweating it, trying to find a
ginormous griddle! 👍👍😍

Hi Haley! As a fellow Norwegian I have wanted to try making my own for soooo many years!!! I have always “settled”for my grandmas or the hometown bakery’s version which were just “ok”! I even tried Maid of Scandinavia’s version this year and wasn’t impressed! You have given me the inspiration to try making my own ! I will let you know how it turns out!!